Since using the iPads in the classroom is a trend in the educational field, appropriate applications should be selected carefully for assisting teaching and self-learning. The Evaluation Rubric for IPod Apps is quite clear and easy for educators to apply in the evaluation. There are six domains in this rubric. They are Curriculum Connection, Authenticity, Feedback, Differentiation, User Friendliness, Student Motivation, which are essential to be considered. When applying this form, in my opinion, based on the backgrounds of students at different ages and levels, it is not necessary that every application reaches the highest score in each domain, as long as it meets the specific requirements of the students. For instance, if an application cannot provides enough feedback to correctness of student responses, I think it is probably not a problem because students can get feedback from the teachers as well. My point of view is that electronic devices should always be secondary, and should not take place of the existence of real teachers.
In the form of Critical Evaluation of a Content-Based Mobile App, the standards seem more detailed. Four more components (Reporting, Sound, Instructions, and Support page) are added. Moreover, Bloom's Taxonomy is mentioned in this form. I think that it is more helpful for the teachers who are working with regular school students.
From my point of view, higher scores or more yes boxes in the evaluation cannot determine whether an application is appropriate or not. These forms can only be reference but not evidence. The decision relies more on the teachers' judgement and analysis on the current situation about the class and the students.
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